FAME is pleased to announce a statewide expansion of the SALT program in Maine. Created by American Student Assistance (ASA), SALT is an innovative program designed to empower college students and alumni to confidently approach, manage, and pay back their student loans while gaining financial skills for life. In 2012, FAME and ASA launched SALT as a pilot program at ten participating Maine colleges and universities. As a result of the pilot, Maine has become a national leader in its statewide efforts to promote financial literacy. Colleges and universities across the state have engaged thousands of students to utilize SALT, which offers well-timed, neutral financial education resources, advice, and self-paced courses designed from the student’s point of view. Students also have access to live one-on-one counseling from trained advisors who can answer students’ questions objectively and advocate on their behalf. FAME’s newest effort will extend SALT in Maine for an additional two years, and will be offered at all interested Maine colleges at a reduced sponsorship level, made possible by financial support from FAME and ASA. In addition, all Maine high school students will have access to a customized saltmoney.org site, including interactive money management lessons, a scholarship search tool, and resources to assist in college planning. “Maine students often try to navigate the college financing and loan repayment waters with inadequate knowledge of the process and without thinking through the consequences of their indebtedness,” said FAME Chief Executive Officer Bruce Wagner. “FAME already offers many services to support students in their pursuit of higher education. With the statewide launch of SALT, FAME is providing another opportunity for Maine students to be better prepared to plan their futures.”